Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The monthly meeting of the Northeast Mississippi Historical and Genealogical Society will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, August 27, at the Tupelo Veterans' Museum at Ballard Park on West Main Street, Tupelo, MS. Mr. Tony Lute, curator and founder of the museum, will provide a program and tour of the museum. The Tupelo Veterans Museum pays tribute to the men and women who dedicate their lives to the concept of ensuring freedom for all Americans. Donations for the museum will be accepted. For more information, contact Susie Dent, 662-844-2307 or nems.hgs@gmail.com.

The following description of the Tupelo Veterans' Museum is posted at www.tupelo.net.

Tupelo Veterans Museum Located in the Oren Dunn City Museum is a wonderful collection of memorabilia honoring the men and women who dedicated their lives to the concept of ensuring freedom for all Americans. Founded by Tony Lute, who began collecting WWII artifacts since he was 16, he has continued to pursue his mission by opening the museum and is grateful to the many donors who have entrusted him with their treasures. Among the collection you will find a display signed by one of the last surviving marine that raised the flag on Iwo Jima, a Nazi banner, a clock from a crashed Japanese zero made by Seiko and still runs, a German luger, .32 caliber officer’s dress pistol and a 9 mm German Radem. In addition a nice assortment of weapons representing Allied and Axis countries, a Kreigs Navy Flag, Nazi K98 Mausers used at the battle of Stalingrad, two rifles which were captured by the Russians at the end of WWII, and many exhibits that children will enjoy. The artifact collection includes items from every country that participated in the war. There are thousands of artifacts on display with some of the most interesting objects including the flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol at the hour the D-Day invasion began and a functioning clock from a Japanese kamikaze plane. Open Tuesday-Friday, 9am-4pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. Closed Sunday and Monday but will open for special groups by appointment. Admission is by donations. For more information call 662-844-1515 or by email veteransmuseum@bellsouth.net.www.tupelo.net